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Science 17 February 1978:
Vol. 199. no. 4330, pp. 796 - 798
DOI: 10.1126/science.199.4330.796
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Articles

Chemical Scent Constituents in the Urine of the Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes L.) During the Winter Season

J. W. JORGENSON 1, M. NOVOTNY 1, M. CARMACK 1, G. B. COPLAND 1, S. R. WILSON 1, S. KATONA 2, and W. K. WHITTEN 3

1 Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington 47401
2 College of the Atlantic, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
3 Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609

Four volatile chemical compounds have been identified as apparently unique constituents in urines of red foxes (both sexes) during the winter season when mating occurs. Quinaldine was found only in male fox urine. Several other compounds identified are found in other species also. Some or all of these compounds may function in olfactory communication in the red fox.

Submitted on August 22, 1977
Revised on October 21, 1977


THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
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